16 Dead, 79 Injured: Government Activates Full Support Mechanism After Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Tragedy

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

• The Government has launched emergency response and rescue operations following a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with affected families.
• Multiple security, disaster response, and medical teams have been deployed to the scene as authorities work to secure the area, treat the injured, and account for all students.
• A joint investigation by relevant government ministries is underway to establish the cause of the fire, with officials urging calm and caution against the spread of unverified information.

The Government has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where several students are feared dead and others injured.

A photo collage of Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura and Utumishi Girls Academy. Photo: Courtesy.

In a statement issued by Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, and seen by The Daily Brief, the Government described the incident as devastating and extended condolences to the affected families, parents, teachers, and students.

“The Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County,” the statement read.

According to the Government, emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the fire and assist affected students. The teams include officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster units, medical personnel, and fire response units.

The injured students are currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities as authorities continue efforts to account for all learners and ensure their safety.

Government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Julius Migos Ogamba, are already on the ground coordinating rescue operations and offering support to affected families.

The Government assured parents and the public that all available resources are being deployed to manage the situation swiftly and professionally.

Authorities also urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information or disturbing images on social media, warning that such actions could worsen the trauma experienced by affected families.

“The Government urges members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information or disturbing images on social media as authorities continue rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the fire,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and other relevant agencies are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the cause of the fire and determine appropriate action.

The Government further assured Kenyans that updates will continue to be communicated through official channels as more verified information becomes available.

“At this difficult hour, we stand united as a nation in solidarity with the students, teachers, and families affected by this tragedy,” said Dr. Mwaura.

16 Dead, 79 Injured, Ministry of Education Confirms

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that 79 students were injured following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, out of a total of 808 learners at the institution.

Speaking on the development, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Julius Migos Ogamba said 71 of the injured students have already been treated and discharged, while seven remain admitted in hospital receiving further medical care.

The CS further confirmed that the country has recorded 16 fatalities as a result of the incident, noting that the identities of the deceased students are yet to be formally established.

“We have 16 fatalities whose identities will be identified. The process of accounting is taking place,” the CS stated.

He added that authorities are continuing the process of accounting for all learners to ensure that every student is safely accounted for in the aftermath of the tragedy.